World Plumbing Day 2015

World Plumbing Day 2015

Impacts on the future of the plumbing industry – risks, challenges and opportunities

In support of World Plumbing Day (WPD), the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) conducts a number of significant activities and events to;

• Increase awareness of PICAC and our commitment to skills and education excellence.
• Promote the vital role plumbing plays in societal health and wellbeing.
• Further position PICAC as an industry leader.
• Increase stakeholder support, through increased sponsorship and attendance.

The annual Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) ‘World Plumbing Day’ event was a resounding success, with over 400 people attending the Industry Forum, Trade and Career expo and Apprentice Skills Competition held at the PICAC facility in Brunswick.

Minister for Skills and Training, The Honourable Steven Herbert and Minister for Planning, The Honourable Richard Wynne, attended the forum as guest speakers and to show their support for the industry. Both Ministers recognised the important role plumbing plays in the community and the key role training and development will have in strengthening its future.

Minister Herbert acknowledged that “Plumbing is a growing industry embracing new technologies that’s helping to build a more sustainable Victoria.” Reconfirming the Government’s commitment to supporting the training industry, in particular the development of PICACs two new facilities in Geelong and Narre Warren, saying that “The Andrews Labor Government is supporting people of all ages to get the skills they need for rewarding careers.”

The Honourable Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Industrial Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Local Government was also in attendance, arriving for a tour of the facility and a greeting with the latest intake of first year indigenous apprentices.

Ken Gardner, CEO of Master Plumbers, along with Earl Setches, National Secretary of the Plumbing Trades Employee Union (PTEU), officially unveiled the exciting industry partnership between Master Plumbers and the PTEU, which will see the commencement of the Certificate III in Plumbing Apprenticeship qualification to be delivered at PICAC.

Alan Ross, CEO of CPSISC gave an insightful overview of the challenges the industry faces, including a shortfall in required apprenticeship starts, and put forward recommendations on how these issues can be addressed (read the presentation here). Earl Setches, PICAC Chair, provided an update on the on the Indigenous Plumbing and Sanitation Foundation working to improve access to reliable drinking water and effective sanitation in the remote communities of Australia. Earl also took time to acknowledge the many contributions of an important friend of the centre. PICAC Patron Tony Arnel, was cited for his support of PICAC going right back to the conception of the centre.

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Following the forum, attendees gathered for an industry luncheon and were able to visit displays at the Industry and Careers Expo, where representatives from Registered Training Organisations and Industry Sponsors provided information about their organisations.

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The Apprentice Skills competition finished in the afternoon after a gruelling 6 hours of hard work put in by the competitors. The judges reviewed the impressive show of skills and high standard of workmanship and selected the finalists. First place for the Sprinkler Fitting competition was awarded to Liam Minogue from Fire Industry Training and the Plumbing top prize was awarded to Aaron Bridger from Holmesglen Tafe.

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PICAC would like to extend a special thanks to all of the sponsors who made the day possible. We would also like to thank everyone who attended, in particular the Guest Speakers who ensured an informative and entertaining Industry Forum. We are looking forward to World Plumbing Day 2016!

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